Visa Process

Hi. I have just been offered a teaching job in Jeddah throuh contacts of my father who is currently living in the kingdom with my mother and sister (All Legal.) I am also in the country at the moment on a visit visa. At first, the school, my father and myself tried to get me onto my fathers iqama but because i am over 23, i am apparently to old to fall under His iqama. So right now we are in the process of getting me my own iqama while i work for the school (Illigaly as im on a visit visa:o )

I have heard many rumours that i have to return to my home country in order to change my visit visa to a residency visa before a iqama is issued.

Is this true? Because to be honest, it is such a massive headache having to leave for a week or two, considering i am already in the country legally, even if it is on a visit visa.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.